frequently asked

The pobroll®'s dimensions are 180cm x 90cm in it's folded, closed position. When it is fully open it is 180cmx180cm

The pobroll® weighs 2.8kg when dry. It will weigh approximately 4kg when you take it out of the washing machine. During the actual washing process, when fully soaked the pobroll® weighs about 7kgs, but after the spin cycle, this reduces to approximately 4 kg.

The terry cotton fabric and the waterproof layers are from a top Italian manufacturer and delivered to a workshop in Cornwall where they are made into pobroll®s and then dispatched directly to your door.

The pobroll® is £260 excluding VAT - £312 including VAT

Yes, as long as it is washed between uses, much like a towel.

Apply the same infection control protocols as you would with standard bed linen and towels. The pobroll® can be washed at high temperatures where there is a risk of infection.

Where there is a likelihood of the person being bowel incontinent during use, we recommend using a separate liner (reusable is preferable to disposable) to contain the soiling as far as possible. Where soiling has occurred, washing the pobroll® at over 60 degrees using a non-biological washing powder (or liquid) should return the pobroll® to a state of perfect cleanliness.

If they have had recent surgery which makes rolling onto the hip uncomfortable/painful they can be assisted to roll towards the non-operated side, as long as a cushion or wedge is placed between the legs to prevent the operated leg from falling forwards or turning inwards. The wedge will ensure their knees are kept apart and should be more comfortable for them. Alternatively, a body pillow may work well (see below).

In this instance an extra bath towel can bridge the gap between the two sides of the pobroll® to keep the heat in.

Yes. The pobroll® works well on one side of a double bed. When the instructions call for you to move around the other side of the bed you may need to kneel on the bed next to them, rather than over-reaching. This will enable you to be close enough to facilitate the rolling if they are unable to assist you.

Ideally you would have access to both sides of the bed to facilitate the rolling of the person you are caring for. However, where this isn’t possible, the pobroll® can still be used, but it may involve; Pushing the bed out from the wall at every use (where the bed is on wheels/castors). Or leaning over the person and pulling them towards you where they need assistance to roll (rather than moving around to the far side of the bed to push them away from you). This increases the moving and handling demands of the task, but does not prevent use of the pobroll®. This simply demands more caution from the carer perspective with regards their own physical capacity.

Yes. The pobroll® has been designed to enable one person to use it. The instructions will guide you on how to use it effectively. However, this does depend to a large extent on the condition of the person being cared for. Where the person on the bed is significantly disabled, unable to assist, resistant to care, distressed, or very heavy, it would be advisable to have a second person to help. The same applies if the carer is frail or unfit.

A person will stay nice and warm within the pobroll® so there is no rush to get their clothes back on in a hurry. Once they are properly dry and rested you can start to get them dressed again. This could be a few minutes or over an hour depending upon how they feel.

If they have no issues with skin breakdown (risk of pressure sores) there is no reason why they couldn’t stay laying on the pobroll® for long periods or even overnight, but if they are totally unable to move and has been noted as at risk of developing skin breakdown, the pobroll® should be removed as it has not been pressure mapped. It is extremely unlikely to contribute to any skin marking/damage as it has no seams within the area she will be laying on, but it has not been formally tested for this purpose. It should definitely not be left underneath someone when it is wet.

No. The pobroll® is designed for human use only.

If they cannot physically turn themselves due to lack of physical ability or dementia, they can be assisted to roll by the carer. There are many ways to do this depending on whether there are one or two carers, and whether they are professional carers (working within strict Moving and Handling rules) or family members. Here is some general advice taken from the most recent best practice guidelines. Assisting someone to roll. If the person can only give partial assistance in the movement, for example turning their head and reaching across in the direction of the movement, then one carer may suffice. A second carer is usually required if the person: · cannot assist at all in the movement · requires support when laying on their side (or risks falling off the bed) · requires assistance to reposition after rolling. This is necessary where they have ended up laying right on the edge of the bed and need to brought back to the middle. Best starting position · The person is lying on their back in the middle of a single bed · The carer is standing at the side Instructions to help the person to move/assist with the movement. 1. “Turn your head towards me”. 2. “Move your arm (nearest to the carer) away from you so you won't lie on it when you roll” 3. “Reach with your other arm across your body towards me” 4. “Bend your knee (furthest from the carer) and put that foot flat on the bed” 5. “When I say “ready, steady, roll” I want you to push your body over with that foot and reach towards me with your arm”. 6. “Is that OK?” Then, when they are ready say; 7. “Ready, steady, roll” Where the person needs full assistance to roll and cannot help at all. · Use the same start position and instructions for assistance as above · The person should be laying flat with just one pillow · Explain the process to the person and the instructions to be given · Position the person’s arm (nearest to you) away from their side by bringing it forwards and out of the way of the body as it rolls. Preparation for the carer · Stand at the side of the bed you are rolling them towards, with feet apart and a with one foot in front of the other (or with one knee on the bed if this is more comfortable). · Place a hand on the person’s far shoulder blade and another on the far side of the pelvis without gripping. · Give clear instructions; · “ready, steady, roll” · On “roll” transfer your body weight from your front foot (or knee on the bed) to the back foot bringing the person over onto their side as you do so. · Move back in towards the side of the bed and stand close so they feel safe and are not at risk of rolling out of the bed.

Sometimes, ensuring there is something placed next to the bed which blocks the view of the floor can help with this. Try placing a high backed chair backwards against the head end of the bed in line with the person’s face so that they do not see a drop to the floor. It may also be worth giving them something quite large and soft (such as a firm pillow/cushion, or a bolster) to hug across their chest as you ask assist them to turn. In my experience this adds to their sense of security. There are many versions of “body pillows“ available now, and single length body cushion might be ideal in this scenario. (A double length (which extends along the back too) would get in the way of washing).

Yes. It is important to continue with optimal skin care routines. When using emollient creams, wash thoroughly after each use, to minimise the chance of the cream infiltrating the fabric.

No, not if it is only slightly wet, it can simply be left to dry before next use, just like a towel.

The pobroll® weighs approximately 2.8 kilos when dry, and will fit into a standard domestic washing machine. Check your owner’s manual for the capacity of your washing machine. The bigger the machine, the better the quality of the wash. We would suggest a minimum capacity of 8kg to ensure the pobroll® has space to unravel in the machine. We also advise that you wash the pobroll on its own rather than with other laundry to maximise the space it has to do this.

The pobroll® is a large item and should be washed on its own. If the washing machine is over-filled this will compromise the quality of the wash.

No. The colours in the logo and the binding will not bleed into the fabric of the pobroll®. However, the binding may fade slightly over time when washed at the higher temperatures.

Yes, but a low setting is required to maintain the integrity of the waterproofing, A high temperature drying cycle would erode the waterproof layer over time. It can also be air dried.

There is no evidence to suggest that UV rays from the sun would damage the pobroll®.

This depends on the make and size of the rotary dryer. Where the washing lines are very close together, the pobroll® can simply be laid out over the whole dryer rather than hung on the separate lines if this is awkward.

No. It needs to be opened up to dry thoroughly in between the layers.

We advise against bleaching as there is a risk it will erode the waterproofing of the internal layer over time. It is also likely to cause the colours to fade (binding and logo).

So far, studies have shown the pobroll® to be working perfectly after 2 years (being used every other day) with no signs of wear and tear. It has been made to last, and the expectation is that it will remain in near perfect condition for at least 5 years for a single user.

While the enzymes found in biological detergents are great at stain removal, they could cause mild reactions in those with very sensitive skin. Therefore, we would advise against using biological washing detergents in favour of the gentler non-biological option.

Fabric softener can damage certain materials, including terry cloth. The coating of the softener repels water and creates a barrier between the towelling and the soiled surface.This can sometimes lock the stains in and reduce the reach of the washing detergent to properly clean between the towelling loops. For this reason, fabric softener should not be used with the pobroll®. The pobrol®l is cherished for its absorbency, and fabric softener, with repeated use, may compromise its performance and effectiveness. It may also lead to some degradation of the waterproof layer and reduce the protection this affords the bed.

You qualify for VAT relief if you have a disability or a long-term illness (but please note the definition of this below) and you're buying the pobroll® for your own personal or domestic use. You don't have to buy the pobroll® yourself. If your parent, guardian or spouse buys it for you, then you won't be charged VAT

For VAT purposes, you have a disability or long-term illness if you meet any of the following conditions: ​ · You have a physical or mental impairment which has a long-term and substantial adverse effect upon your ability to carry out everyday activities · You have a condition that the medical profession treats as a long-term illness, such as diabetes · You are terminally ill ​ You won't qualify if you're elderly but otherwise able-bodied, or if you're only temporarily disabled such as having a broken leg.

In the UK, You're eligible for the VAT relief on the pobroll® if you have one of the following conditions: ​ ​ Alzheimer’s Amputee Angina Ankylosing Spondylitis Arthritis Ataxia Bronchiectasis Cancer Cerebellum Ataxia Cerebral Palsy Cerebral Vasculitis Chronic Arthritis COPD Degenerative Spine Dementia Diabetes Diverticulitis Emphysema Epilepsy Fibromyalgia Functional Movement Disorder Lymphedema Motor Neuron Disease Multiple Sclerosis Muscular Dystrophy Myelitis Oedema Osteoarthritis Osteoporosis (Osteopenia does not qualify) Parkinson’s Partially Sighted Peripheral Vascular Disease Pneumonia Polymyositis Pulmonary Fibrosis Pulmonary Hypertension Respiratory Failure Rheumatism Rheumatoid Arthritis Scoliosis Spina Bifida Spondylitis Stenosis Stroke If you’re not sure whether your condition means you’re chronically sick or disabled or is not listed above, you may wish to consult a doctor or other healthcare professional for clarification.

The definition from the government website states: ‘Domestic or personal use’ means that the supply is needed specifically for the use of a disabled individual or series of disabled individuals.' Source: www.gov.uk ​ Personal or domestic use means that the goods or services are supplied for your own private use, rather than for business purposes. Also, the goods or services must be just for your own use - not for use by anyone else, or for use by a group of chronically sick or disabled people in general. ​ Personal or domestic use does not cover: · Goods and services for business or commercial purposes. · Items that are placed in a communal area for the general use of a whole group of people. An example would be a wheelchair in a community hall. · Goods and services intended for an in-patient or resident of a hospital or care home; or for anyone attending the premises of a hospital or nursing home for care or treatment. · Goods and services for any other person or commercial establishment, with the exception of a charity, where the goods are for use by, or in connection with, care provided to an inpatient or resident of a health institution or to a patient whilst attending the premises of a health institution where the items are intended for use in the care or treatment provided in the relevant hospital, nursing home or health institution.

In order for a product or service to be eligible for VAT exemption, it must have been designed solely for the use of a disabled person. The definition from the government website states: ‘A medical or surgical appliance is a device or piece of equipment that’s designed solely for the relief of a severe impairment or a severe injury.' Source: www.gov.uk ​ This means that the goods and services that are supplied must be specifically designed for someone who is chronically sick or disabled. The pobroll® was designed exclusively to meet the needs of persons with disabilities and is therefore eligible for zero rating. You can read more about the pobroll® and its origins here

There's no need for you to contact HMRC, as the supply will be treated as zero-rated for VAT purposes if you qualify for the VAT relief. All you have to do is add the item to your basket and complete the short form and declaration. We'll then charge you the price excluding VAT at the checkout.

We kindly advise exercising caution when unwrapping your pobroll® package. Refrain from using knives or any sharp objects, as they may inadvertently cause damage to the pobroll® fabric inside. Please note that the pobroll® items found to be damaged due to improper opening techniques will not qualify for a refund. For more details on our refund policy, refer to our terms and conditions.

Your item will be delivered within 3-5 working days of receipt of your order. ​ The delivery times are subject to change during our busy periods but the expected delivery date will always be made clear at checkout

Your pobroll® will be sent to you via Royal Mail Tracked 48®. Royal Mail collects pobroll® packages at 10 am from Monday to Friday. If you place your order after 10 am, your pobroll® will be dispatched on the following day. If you place your order after the deadline on Friday, your pobroll® will be dispatched on the following Monday.

The pobroll® is delivered to you free of charge.

The pobroll® is only available to buy in the United Kingdom.

Yes. You will receive an email when your pobroll® has been dispatched. This will include a tracking number.

Once the order has been processed, you will be unable to change your delivery address. If you have mistakenly entered incorrect delivery information, please contact us as soon as possible. While we'll make every effort to assist, please note that it's the purchaser's responsibility to provide accurate delivery details.

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If your package is delayed or lost during transit, please follow these steps: Check Tracking: Begin by checking the tracking information for the latest status of your package. Sometimes delays can occur due to unforeseen circumstances or logistical issues. Contact Carrier: If you notice a delay, contact the shipping carrier's customer service using the provided tracking number. They might be able to provide more details about the delay and an estimated delivery date. Contact Us: If the delay persists or if you suspect the package might be lost, get in touch with our customer support team. We'll work with the carrier to investigate the situation and find a resolution for you. Wait for Resolution: In some cases, packages might experience temporary delays but eventually get delivered. If the package is genuinely lost, we will work with you to determine the appropriate steps for a refund, replacement, or alternative solution. Stay Informed: Keep communication lines open with both us and the carrier. We understand the frustration of delays and lost packages, and we're committed to helping you throughout the process. Remember, delays and losses can happen for various reasons, often beyond our control. We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work together to resolve the issue and ensure you receive your order.

If you receive a damaged or defective item, we apologize for any inconvenience caused and are here to assist you. Please follow these steps: Document the Issue: Take clear photos or videos of the damaged or defective item. This will help us understand the problem and expedite the resolution process. Contact Us: Reach out to our customer support team as soon as possible, providing details about the issue and attaching the photos or videos. You can contact us here. Review Return/Exchange Policy: Our return and exchange policy outlines the steps for returning or exchanging damaged or defective items. Check our policy to understand the timeframe and conditions for initiating this process. Return or Exchange: Based on the information provided and the assessment of the issue, we will guide you through the return or exchange process. This may involve sending the item back to us for inspection. Resolution Options: Depending on the situation, we will offer solutions such as a replacement item, store credit, or a refund. Our goal is to ensure your satisfaction with your purchase. Follow Instructions: Follow the instructions provided by our customer support team regarding the return/exchange process. We'll make every effort to resolve the issue efficiently. We understand how frustrating it can be to receive a damaged or defective item, and we appreciate your cooperation as we work to make things right. Your satisfaction is important to us, and we're dedicated to providing a positive resolution to the situation.

If you change your mind, you can cancel your order up to 14 days from the delivery date as long as the internal packaging remains intact (as the clear polythene bag acts as a hygiene seal). Please return the pobroll® to us with a cover note clearly showing your name, address, and email, as well as the reason for the return. Please refer to our terms and conditions for full details. ​ Should you be dissatisfied with your pobroll for any reason, please contact sales@pobroll.co.uk or fill out the Returns Request Form so that we can fully understand the issues and work together with you to find a solution. ​ Faulty products will be immediately refunded or replaced.

You have 14 days from the delivery date to change your mind and cancel your order. This does not apply if the inner bag which is a hygiene seal has been opened. To cancel your order, please email us at to pat@pobroll.co.uk or call us on 07752060571. You can also use thecancellation form. To help us process your cancellation more quickly, please have your order number ready or include it in the email or cancellation form you send to us.

If you have already received your order, you must return the products to us within 14 days of telling us that you want to cancel your order. The deadline is met if you send the products back to us before the 14-day period has expired. We strongly recommend that you get proof of postage. We may withhold the refund until we have received the products back from you or until you have provided us with evidence that you have sent the products back (whichever is earlier).

No, products must be returned to us in a new and unused condition and, to the extent possible, in their original packaging. The pobroll® must be unopened in its inner bag which is a hygiene seal. You are responsible for the products while they are in your possession.

Unless your products are faulty or misdescribed, you are responsible for the cost of returning the products to us. Products may be returned by post to: BBwear - Rosedene Farm, BBwear, Unit NP1, Threemilestone, Truro TR4 9AN). We strongly recommend that you get proof of postage. We may withhold the refund until we have received the products back from you or until you have provided us with evidence that you have sent the products back (whichever is earlier).

We will provide you with a full refund as soon as possible. If you cancelled your order before any products were dispatched, we will issue the refund no later than 14 days after the day on which you told us that you want to cancel. If the product has already been dispatched you will need to return it to us at your own expense. We will issue the refund no later than 14 days after the day we receive the products back from you or, if earlier, 14 days after the day you provide us with evidence that you have sent the products back. ​ We will issue your refund to the same payment method you used when you placed your order.